anisogamy

noun

Meaning

Sexual reproduction involving the fusion of two gametes that differ in size or form, typically a small, motile sperm and a large, non-motile egg.

Examples

  • The transition from isogamy to anisogamy allowed for greater specialization in reproductive strategies.
  • Most multicellular animals exhibit anisogamy as their primary mode of sexual reproduction.

Synonyms: sexual reproduction, heterogamy